Shoreline City Council Regular Meeting – July 13, 2026

The Shoreline City Council met on July 13, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber. The meeting included approval of the consent calendar, appointment of pro and con committees for a ballot measure to create a metropolitan park district, authorization to purchase a property adjacent to Twin Ponds Park, and discussion of a budget amendment for fleet replacements.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (7-0): Regular meeting minutes of June 1, 2026; workshop dinner meeting minutes of June 8, 2026; regular meeting minutes of June 8, 2026; expenses and payroll as of June 26, 2026 in the amount of $8,534,155.44; adoption of Ordinance No. 1062 extending interim regulations prohibiting removal of trees 60 inches diameter at breast height or greater within Town Center 3 and Town Center 4 zoning districts; authorization to amend contract with Krazan & Associates, Inc. for $36,757.43 for parks bond project testing and inspection services; authorization to execute Amendment No. 2 with PH Consulting for $200,000 for on-call development review services.

Public Comments & Testimony

• John Hushigen, Shoreline arborist, requested the Council direct staff to water 15 elm trees planted in 2024 at the corner of 185th and 5th Avenue NE, which appear to be dying from drought; he attributed the lack of irrigation to a dispute between the City and Sound Transit.
• Buddy Smith, Shoreline resident and writing tutor, discussed his application for the Pro Committee for Proposition 1, emphasizing his experience with concise writing under word limits.
• Larry Moore, Shoreline resident, expressed disappointment with the City’s tree regulations, citing an example of a tree threatening a foundation where removal would require $5,000 in permit fees; he called the policy “confiscatory” and “inexcusable.”
• Additional public comment on action item 8B: Larry Moore asked for clarification of the property location (southwest vs. southeast corner of Twin Ponds Park).

Discussion Items

• Appointment of Pro and Con Committees for Proposition 1 (Metropolitan Park District): The Council received applications for committees to write statements for the November 3, 2026 ballot measure creating a metropolitan park district for a pool and future recreation facilities. After debate, the Council amended the initial pro committee motion (4-3) by replacing Amber Clark with Buddy Smith, then unanimously (7-0) appointed Buddy Smith, Krishnakant Nammi, and Susie McDowell to the Pro Committee. The Con Committee members Sandra Cribbs, Jeff Hays, and Joseph Smith were appointed unanimously (7-0).
• Purchase of Real Property at 15000 Meridian Avenue N: Staff presented a proposal to acquire a 7,500-square-foot parcel adjacent to Twin Ponds Park for $850,000 (appraised value), plus tenant relocation, appraisal, and closing costs. The acquisition would be funded 75% by a King County Conservation Futures grant and 25% by park impact fees. Councilmembers expressed support for preserving open space and wildlife habitat; staff noted the property is tenant-occupied through April and that demolition funding is available but future development funding is not yet identified. The motion to authorize the City Manager to complete the purchase passed 7-0.
• Ordinance No. 1063 – Fleet Replacement Budget Amendment: Staff presented a proposed amendment to the 2025-2026 biennial budget to cover the unanticipated replacement of a stolen Vermeer chipper (funded by insurance and reserves), a funding shortfall for a new shared-use dump truck, and the purchase of an electric truck (taking advantage of a $90,000 WAZIP rebate). Councilmembers asked about replacement costs, maintenance, electric vehicle lifespan based on battery warranty, and security measures to prevent future theft. The Council agreed the ordinance would return on the July 27 consent calendar.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar approved 7-0.
• Pro Committee for Proposition 1: Appointed Buddy Smith, Krishnakant Nammi, and Susie McDowell (motion to replace Amber Clark with Buddy Smith passed 4-3; main motion passed 7-0).
• Con Committee for Proposition 1: Appointed Sandra Cribbs, Jeff Hays, and Joseph Smith (passed 7-0).
• Property Purchase at 15000 Meridian Ave N: Authorized City Manager to complete the acquisition (passed 7-0).
• Ordinance No. 1063: Scheduled to return on the July 27, 2026 consent calendar for adoption.